Czech euroscepticism is far more nuanced and justified than the marginal loonies and populist conspiracy theorists you so unsubtly open the article with to color perceptions of the whole lot.

There is a reason why the political culture of much of Europe is shifting towards a radically more sober view of European integration, and populism and extremism are no longer useful enough swear words to pin on it.

There are good reasons for the trend, and people who have reservations about the EU’s workings are not all frothing antisemites and stokers of disenfranchised drinking classes. In fact, it is mostly business and intelligentsia that are most sceptical of the EU in the Czech republic.

a) TOP09's slogan is "Nekašlete na Evropu" - literally "do not cough on Europe". The idiom in Czech - "kašlat na něco/cough on something" means to just ignore it, dismiss it. The English translation in the article is misleading, since the message can't be misinterpreted as "do not bother with the election", it means precisely the opposite.

b) Czechs are not "eurosceptic" in the British way (i.e. reject "foreign" European values and profess jingoistic support for "unique" and "superior" British values). They are just sceptical of politics in general; they have equally cynical views of Czech domestic politics, it's just they on average understand it a bit better so they participate more. The EU is still misunderstood by the majority of people - I'd be surprised if at least 2 out of 10 could accurately describe the basics of how EU institutions work.

c) the above is largely a fault of the grossly amateurish and self-interested political class that is utterly devoid of any higher ideas and long term visions, both domestically and especially on the European level where they seem completely lost and overwhelmed. It's easier for a Czech politician to complain about "Brussels" than to propose a realistic programme for change. Instead of educating the voters and explaining to them why European Parliament matters, they'll rant against the Euro or appeal to any number of lowly instincts and emotions.

d) I myself am trying to convince all my friends and family to vote, I am trying to explain how things work in the EU and why the EU is an overwhelmingly good thing for the Czech Republic. And to provoke the die-hard cynics, I've flown the EU flag from my window this morning.

The eurosceptic label has become a very convenient tool to lump together anyone whose views don't align with eurofederalists. As a tool, it has worked well to deflect and marginalise these "wrong" views by painting them as extreme, foolish, and unfit even for discussion. However, it is not just a dishonest label, it is also becoming an impractical one. The EP elections are proving that there is an increasing need to engage with and respond to criticism, and identify the legitimate citizens' needs which prompt it.

The EU elite should listen and become more democratic in the process - lest they become irrelevant.

This was written by somebody with very little understanding of Czech political realities. Dissatisfaction comes largely from the uncovered corruption cases that were uncovered in the recent years (which in itself is a positive trend), plus the remaining effects of the financial crisis. people vote to express their view on local politics, the fact that this is EU election changes very little.
As for the political spectrum, most relevant parties except civic democrats (ODS) are at least EU-neutral.. The leading CSSD and right-wing TOP09 are definitely pro-European.

I am sick of this tendency of calling anyone who expresses but one opinion that is not 100% "EU mainline" an euro-sceptic. It's a sad example of how democracy does NOT work in Europe:/

There were quite a few good things that came from EU, but the cost was immense. EU should be allowing its citizens to work, travel and trade freely. Everything else is just a hobby of bored socialists... think of proper names for a sausage, imbecile quotas, agriculture subsidies that turn farmers into donation hunters... the list goes on. Such a level of wealth redistribution harms especially young democracies, since it leave s the door for corruption wide open: the more money is given by somebody without direct control and motivation (i
e. the state), the more space for bribery..

First of all, I agree with the writer that such extremists are marginalised in the Czech Republic.
Nevertheless, if the article states that the Jobbik got 21% at the latest elections in Hungary, it should also be noted that the Hungarian Prime Minister, Mr Orban, is of Roma origin. He managed to win the elections again, and get 67%(!) of the seats in the Parliament. And this is his third time to be the Prime Minister.
Simply, I do not feel there is such a hate against minorities in Hungary as it may be understood from the article. Perhaps, it is my English only.

Incredibly one-sided article. Where should I start?
Billions of EU money owed to the Czech republic blocked by the EU on account of poor accounting (as if that ever mattered in Brussels)
Incessant political pressure to hand over state assets to Western firms: water is in private (western) hands, electric utility CEZ is constantly threatened by German and French utilities.
Interference in internal affairs by wannabee Roma activists looking for free handouts at the expense of the working public.
Constant badgering by the NATO crooks to cough up more money and troops for intervention in "faraway places we know little about".
Getting dragged into every confrontation with the rest of the world the US seems to think is a legitimate target for its democratisation process.
etc.
etc.
and the general mental and physical degradation brought about by the wholesale dismemberment of Czech civil society in the name of "progress" and "democracy". Thousands left to rot in underpaid jobs in areas likes Ostrava, booming drug-trafficking, people-trafficiking,
Indeed the EU is a miracle.